This year's Red Mass takes place Friday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

The Red Mass is a tradition started centuries ago in Europe to celebrate the official opening of the judicial year. Church officials are inviting judges, lawyers, government officials and people of all faiths to the ceremony.

The name of the Mass comes from the red vestments worn by the Mass celebrants. The vestments are reminiscent of the traditional scarlet robes worn by royal judges centuries ago.